We rented a car to drive around Crete and check out some sites on other parts of the island and did a detour to go check out this gorge and we are glad we did. It is unlike anything we've seen before and very impressive. We set the GPS to the gorge and the road is very narrow in some parts but there is an area to pull out that can fit a few cars if you want to get out and do a quick hike. We also stopped in another area of the gorge where it was safe to do so to get out for a break and take a few photos. There are two routes down to the bottom and we chose the path down to a small church, bridge and waterfall area. The hike down isn't bad at about 200 steps down into the gorge itself. If you take the other path down you can get closer to the river and there are some pools of water that are safe to go into. There are animals in the gorge like goats and vultures that hang around. We also saw quite a few pigeons and doves near the waterfall we went to. The gorge is about an hour and a half drive from Heraklion and we made it as part of a day trip drive outside of the city to see the Knossos Palace, beaches to the south central of Crete and Rethymno. The gorge was a highlight for our family during our visit to Crete. If you're planning to come here make sure you bring good shoes, water and snacks. We appreciated having our own car so we could be in control of our time at the gorge but we'd recommend getting a small car that has lots of power to help with the mountains of Crete and be comfortable with the narrow and winding roads. The gorge can get windy so you may want to consider dressing in layers in case you get cold but once you start moving you'll warm up.

Wow! Such a stunning location. Not the easiest to get to (lots of walking and some tricky trails) and some killer roads and parking but it was worthwhile. If you are brave a short swim rewards you with some breathtaking experiences. Top tip - go early. We got there around 930am and we almost had the whole place to ourselves !

We enjoyed the drive from Chania, most of it along the beautiful coast and parked in a lot near the entrance. The path you walk on is well made and easy to follow. Views are striking and then you start seeing waterfalls. We loved swimming in the crystal clear water, climbing over rocks to reach new pools and falls. I had read. The water was unbearably cold, but in June I would call it brisk and refreshing. This was a must do experience for Crete and one we will always remember.

Worth getting here early. I arrived at 0930, parking in the roadside lay-bys was almost full and also to avoid the many other visitors. Apple/Google maps takes you to exactly the right spot. Steps down to the gorge (lots of them!) are through an arch in the wall. At the fork, turn left to see the chapel and gorge above the waterfall. Left fork takes you to below the waterfall. Water shoes are handy in the water which is really cold. Sandals or trainers are fine on the steps. Do bear in mind that the local council does monitor the roadside parking and does issue tickets to those who don’t park properly in the lay-bys. I’d recommend stopping here on the way to the Preveli monastery and the. Preveli beach.

We visited the Gorge as a family in August. It’s easy to find and if you get there early parking is pretty easy (and free). This is not an organised tourist attraction. It’s a relatively rugged trek down and back out. A level of fitness is required. It’s worth it though. When you’re at the bottom there’s a tiny ladder to climb down. There were large queues forming as it’s the only way in and out. The water is breathtakingly cold (literally) and requires some swimming ability if you want to see the waterfall. Definitely worth the effort. The kids (20 & 14) both listed this as the highlight of our trip to Crete.

We were there around 10 in the morning and it was already quite busy. Luckily there's enough parking space a few minutes up ahead. The trip was doable for someone unfit like me. The route is mostly stone stairs with some loose rocks and uneven steps. The trip is most definitely worth it. The water is soo cold, but when I got used to it I didn't want to get out! Some people got scared of the cold water and didn't go in the waterfall. Please don't let the cold scare you off, and just go in the water one step at a time. It'll be worth it! After we went into the waterfall twice we chilled on some big rocks with our toes in the water and enjoyed the views and sounds of the water.